It doesn’t look like much from shore, but Makena Landing is one of the best under-the-radar snorkeling spots in South Maui.
You’ve probably heard of this Maui snorkeling spot before. But you may know it by a different name – Turtle Town.
Turtle Town is part of a large reef that stretches about a mile along the South Maui coast. Makena Landing is right in the heart of it. It’s an excellent place to see green sea turtles – hence the name – and other sea life like tropical fish, reef sharks, and rays.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about snorkeling at Makena Landing, from the amenities to the crowds and ideal conditions.
Getting to Makena Landing
Makena Landing is located off Makena Road, about two miles past the Fairmont Kea Lani. From Wailea, follow Wailea Alanui Drive until it turns into Makena Alanui Drive. Look for Makena Road on the right-hand side, just past Makena Surf Condos. From there, follow Makena Road until you see a small paved parking lot on the ocean side of the road. This is Makena Landing.
The Snorkeling – Excellent: 8/10
Makena Landing is definitely among Maui’s best snorkeling spots.
The landing is set on a large, shallow cove. A lava rock point stretches out along the north side of the bay, blocking some of the tradewinds that whip around from the northeast.
The coastline here is mostly rocky, except for a small sandy beach adjacent to the parking lot. This is where you’ll enter the water.
The gently sloping sand and usually calm conditions make water access at Makena Landing very easy. (This sandy area is a great place to bring the kids because waves and currents are usually minimal.)
For snorkeling, head towards the point. If you’re new to snorkeling, you can stick to the shallows and still see some nice corals, tropical fish, and – if you’re lucky – sea turtles.
But the snorkeling gets progressively better the further out you go. On the tip of the point, you’ll be near a famed snorkeling and diving spot called Five Caves (or Five Graves, depending on who you ask).
You’ll be treated to unique rock formations, sea caves, and walls of vibrant yellow coral – plus sea life galore in gin-clear waters. Eels, rays, turtles, and even sharks are common sightings here.
If you’re not a strong swimmer, we recommend sticking to the shallows – because it’s a long swim from the beach to the outer point. Tour boats also stop on deeper parts of the reef, so always be aware of your surroundings.
Parking – Small lot and street parking. 8/10
Makena Landing features a small paved parking lot with room for about two dozen cars. Street parking is also available; just make sure you’re completely off the road.
Parking is free, which is always a bonus. Just be sure not to leave any valuables in your car. We don’t hear of break-ins happening often at Makena Landing, but this is good practice anywhere.
The parking lot can fill up on busy days, especially on the weekends. Makena Landing is a popular hangout for locals and you’ll usually see birthday parties going down on the weekend.
Crowds – Some snorkelers and boats, not too overwhelming. 8/10
As mentioned above, weekends at Makena Landing can get busy with beachgoers. But snorkeling at Makena Landing usually doesn’t get too crazy – unless a tour boat shows up. Even then, they usually stick to deeper water off the point.
Kayak tours are very popular at Makena Landing, too. Like the tour boats, they usually visit reefs in deeper water or further down the coast.
You’ll likely share the water with at least a few other snorkelers and divers. But the crowds pale in comparison to that of, say, Hanauma Bay on Oahu or even busy days at Honolua Bay.
Amenities – Good: Restrooms, Showers. 9/10
Makena Landing features some nice amenities and conveniences. First, as mentioned above, there is a paved parking lot and some street parking. There are also clean public restrooms, trash and recycling bins, and freshwater showers.
There are no picnic tables, but the landing features a shady, grassy area that is great for laying out a picnic blanket.
Safety – Average, Typical Ocean Hazards. 8/10
Makena Landing often has calm conditions. Occasionally, strong winds and large swells can create treacherous shorebreak and currents. Use caution if you’re snorkeling out along the point, as the currents are usually a bit stronger here.
There are some sharp rocks and sea urchins along the point, but they are easy to avoid if you don’t venture too far into the shallows.
Watch for kiawe thorns on the beach and in the grass!
Conditions – Ideal Conditions Occur Often. 9/10
Thanks to the rocky point to the north, Makena Landing is often shielded from the northeasterly trade winds. In turn, conditions here are usually very calm – as long as there are no substantial south or west swells. However, the best of the best conditions occur in the morning, before the wind stirs up the water and decreases visibility.
Other Activities – Kayaking, Stand Up Paddling, Whale Watching. 7/10
Besides snorkeling and diving, Makena Landing is ideal for stand-up paddling and kayaking. In fact, the landing is a hotspot for kayaking tours. A multitude of local companies offer kayaking tours from Makena Landing – and in the wintertime, these tours serve as a unique whale-watching opportunity.
Overall, Makena Landing is a must-visit for snorkelers. While it’s not the best spot for sunbaking on the beach, it’s a hotspot for ocean-goers. So grab your GoPro, hook up your scuba tank, or get your snorkel gear ready and explore Makena Landing’s vibrant reef.
